Manuela Diaz, believed to have been the oldest woman in Clark County, has died in Las Vegas at the age of 106.
Her death was reported by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Nevada's largest daily newspaper. Following her passing, her granddaughter said the secret to her remarkable longevity was simply happiness, adding that Diaz was exceptionally healthy throughout her life and loved living.
Diaz maintained an active and energetic lifestyle for decades. She had a passion for visiting nightclubs and dancing until morning, and she did not give up her night-time outings until she reached the age of 70.
She was also an enthusiastic driver who regularly picked up her grandchildren from school, turning the car radio up to full volume during the journeys. At home, she insisted on preparing meals from scratch, making fresh orange juice and homemade tortillas for her family.
Las Vegas, situated in southern Nevada's Clark County, is the state's most populous metropolitan area. Although official census or demographic records have not formally confirmed her status, Diaz was widely believed to be the oldest surviving female resident in the county prior to her death.
Travel after ninety and early married life
Even in her tenth decade, Diaz maintained a passion for world travel. After celebrating her 90th birthday, she embarked on trips across Europe, visiting Ireland, Spain and Italy, and also traveled to Africa.
Born on June 16, 1920, Diaz married Marcos Medina in 1941, accepting his proposal just two weeks after he began courting her. The couple remained together until Medina died in 1970.
The marriage produced five children. Diaz leaves behind a large family legacy that includes 14 grandchildren, as well as dozens of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Living to a hundred and beyond
Individuals who live to 100 or beyond are known as centenarians, a demographic group that gerontologists study to understand the factors behind exceptional lifespan. Demographers frequently note that active habits, dietary routines and positive mental outlooks recur in accounts of long lives.
In a similar report on extreme age, the oldest resident of the Isle of Man, a self-governing island in the Irish Sea, recently celebrated his 107th birthday. He said he continues to gain pleasure from every day he lives, attributing his longevity to remaining in constant motion and maintaining an unquenchable interest in the future.
